We’ve established food on campus is atrocious however one good thing that can be said is that its an excellent motivator to find alternative options. Around campus there are a number of different locations to grub but they can be broken down and separated into three major areas: walking distance from campus, downtown Salem, and Lynn.
Lynn offers a plethora of affordable cultural food that’s bound to fill your stomach to the brim however it’s only real disadvantage is it’s a little far from campus. Students can get there by taking the 455 bus or by car. Standout spots include:
- Sunset Caribbean: A Haitian establishment in Lynn serving the community and healthy portions of authentic Haitian food. The restaurant was started by a family that moved to Lynn and were greeted by an area with a pronounced scarcity of decent Haitian food. The food is not taxed, in the colloquial sense, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $20. To get a feel for how intertwined this establishment is with the community theres even an invite to worship with them if you so please!
- Jamaica’s Flavor: Featuring yummy Jamaican food with decent portions and healthy homemade drinks that contain ingredients like seamoss. The establishment also has an American food section for those who swing that way as well as a number of staples like beef patties, oxtail, and jerk chicken. Located directly under the superhero kid with the huge ears Jamaica’s Flavor occupies an iconic spot in Lynn.
Downtown
Downtown Salem can be a little pricey compared to other options in article but a major benefit is unlike with the other sections you can get your money back if dissatisfied; probably. Downtown is full of mix of commercial and local establishments with standout spots including:
- Bonchon: Korean fried chicken so crispy it snaps, crackles, and pops. Bonchon has the potential to be absolutely amazing but that potential is slightly dependent on the chef. It’s impossible to get a meal for less than $30 but wings are always on the table .
- Passage to India: Wonderful Indian food from both northern and southern India. The establishment offers an excellent range of food with filling portions and spicy food that is actually spicy, nose wateringly so.
- Wendy’s: For when McDonalds isn’t hitting the spot and you want fast food that’s actually food.
Walking Distance
Walking distance from the school options are a little limited but it’s better than Marsh and incredibly inexpensive. Relevant spots include:
- Krispy Krunch: Convenience store chicken so there’s some question marks but it definitely hits the spot when you’re hungry and is an inexpensive option less than a 5 min walk away from campus.
- McDonalds: McDonalds is McDonalds and you know what to expect. A point to note is only the drive through is open past 10pm, feel free to walk through the drive-through they’ll still take a mobile order.
- Bagelworld: Bagelworld is hyped up in the area but it’s honestly not too bad and some of the only decent breakfast in a walking distance. Every bagel is handmade in the morning and if it wasn’t for the lines that stretch out the door service would be prompt.
